there
a place of quiet..except when the lions roar!
Tastefully furnished chalets (not dormitories!) with thatch grass roofs are provided for the volunteers at Ukutula. These chalets have modern amenities, including en-suite bathrooms with showers. Chalets are designed to be shared by two volunteers. Seniors have separate accommodation.
A comfortable lounge with television and a dining room are provided for volunteers.
During your stay, all your meals are included and are presented buffet style. Past volunteers have been especially impressed by the quality of the cuisine. Individual dietary requirements are also catered for. The following is just one example:
"I have a lot of food sensitivities and when it comes to eating I always dread meals because of it. The time and effort that the chef put into each and every one of my meals was breathtaking. He was amazing and opened up my eyes to a whole new appreciation for food." B.L.
Valuables can be locked up in your room or in the Reception office safe.
Rooms are serviced every day (included in the Volunteer package price).
There is a laundry facility where the ladies do a great job in washing and ironing - also included in your Volunteer package.
things electrical
Electricity in South Africa is provided at 220/230 watts AC 50 HZ. Service used to be reliable, but now power outages are frequent and disruptive. At Ukutula however, you will have the benefit of a state-of-the-art diesel generator that supplies electricity uninterruptedly.
Most plugs are 15 amp 3-prong with round pins. For North American Volunteers the adapters are relatively inexpensive adapters and can be bought on Amazon or Ebay (make sure they are M-type). Owners Willi and Gillian will always have some to lend you as well.
Our Apple iPads and iPhones worked well with the adapters, but you should be cautioned that using a hair dryer from home may not be as successful! (i.e. may burn-out) The huge increase from 110 volts to 220 volts is not good for most things and requires a transformer. That's why Ukutula has provided hair dryers for use in every room. Generally, devices such as AC/DC chargers for Laptops, cameras etc. allow a multi range voltage (110-240 volts) and eliminate the need of a voltage converter. Sometimes electrical devices have a switch for either 120 or 230 volts, but you must remember to reset it when you get home!
Most plugs are 15 amp 3-prong with round pins. For North American Volunteers the adapters are relatively inexpensive adapters and can be bought on Amazon or Ebay (make sure they are M-type). Owners Willi and Gillian will always have some to lend you as well.
Our Apple iPads and iPhones worked well with the adapters, but you should be cautioned that using a hair dryer from home may not be as successful! (i.e. may burn-out) The huge increase from 110 volts to 220 volts is not good for most things and requires a transformer. That's why Ukutula has provided hair dryers for use in every room. Generally, devices such as AC/DC chargers for Laptops, cameras etc. allow a multi range voltage (110-240 volts) and eliminate the need of a voltage converter. Sometimes electrical devices have a switch for either 120 or 230 volts, but you must remember to reset it when you get home!
the weather
"Don't knock the weather. If it didn't change once in a while, nine out of ten people couldn't start a conversation"
Kin Hubbard
Don’t forget sunglasses, sunscreen and a good hat.
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What weather to expect?
South Africa is famous for its sunshine and the North West Province is particularly sunny and dry. Spring Spring lasts from August to mid-October. Spring is warm to hot with some afternoon showers. The season usually starts to show during the latter half of August although it is officially springtime from September. Interestingly, the past ten years have consistently delivered heat waves during the last week of September into the first week of October with temperatures reaching the mid to high 40 degree Celsius range! The record was broken in 2015 when temperatures almost touched 50 degrees Celsius (122 degrees Fahrenheit) - not at Ukutula fortunately! Summer Summer lasts a good four months from mid-October to mid- February, and is characterized by hot, sunny weather – often with afternoon thunderstorms that clear quickly, leaving a warm, earthy, uniquely African smell in the air. Be prepared for much hotter temperatures than usual, as well as less rain. Climate change is having a profound effect and most of the country is experiencing an ongoing drought. Daily average temperatures during December and January have risen above 100 degrees Fahrenheit or about 38 degrees Celsius. Clothing for the summer most definitely has to include shorts and short sleeve shirts. Autumn Autumn in South Africa is from mid-February to April. It offers the best weather in some respects. Very little rain falls over the whole country, and it is warm but not too hot, getting colder as the season progresses. However, we again caution that what once was is perhaps no more! Conservalion Volunteers in recent years visited in February and experienced epic rain and flooding - more evidence of the profound change in global weather patterns. Winter in the North West Province – from May to July – is characterised by dry, sunny, crisp days and cold nights, sometimes with heavy frosts. It's a good idea to bring warm clothes, but also to dress with layers. The early morning can be frosty with temperatures below freezing and rising to 20 degrees Celsius (70 Fahrenheit) and more at noon. (This is also the best time for viewing wildlife as the bush is not as dense)
Play the videos to experience a real South African storm! |
things to do at ukutula
Photography
Ukutula boasts some of the best wildlife photography opportunities due to the close proximity of the subjects. Both at professional, as well as amateur levels, you are sure to have a wonderful time. In fact, everybody should bring along a camera - you just never know what you will see!
If you have a moment, you may want to spend some time on the web with Kathleen Reeder. An outstanding professional photographer from Arizona in the US, Kathleen has led numerous photography workshops to Ukutula. One of the most memorable shots is of a crocodile launching itself at a few young lions - the expressions are priceless!
If you have a moment, you may want to spend some time on the web with Kathleen Reeder. An outstanding professional photographer from Arizona in the US, Kathleen has led numerous photography workshops to Ukutula. One of the most memorable shots is of a crocodile launching itself at a few young lions - the expressions are priceless!
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Tennis
For your enjoyment there are two tennis courts - with a twist! Imagine yourself playing tennis in the African bush while your spectators are wild animals! Artificial rock wall climbing Ukutula has recognized the trend in popularity of artificial stone climbing walls and has provided an almost 30 feet (9 meter) high tower for volunteers to enjoy. Climbers have an unobstructed view of the local hills from the top. Beach Volley Ball All it takes to have a lot of fun in this instance is two teams of two volunteers per side! Eating Helga's Kitchen is becoming world renowned for delicious cuisine! (especially desserts!) Helga knows that people who work MUST have a hearty breakfast. Included will be a taste of the typical traditional African barbecue or "Braai" as it is called in South Africa. Nights around a bush fire Many cosy evenings are spent around the fire which is fuelled by local bush wood. Great for marshmallows! 
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Movies
The Dining area can be transformed into a great movie theatre with excellent sound and visuals. The owners do their best to provide a variety of titles that suit the tastes of all the volunteers. Swimming There are two swimming pools for cooling down after work. The Internet For purposes of entertainment and correspondence with friends and family back home there is wireless Internet. (available for ZAR200.00 for your entire stay) The signal is strongest close to the Reception offices and most volunteers find the area around the pool has a strong signal. The Pub Many a pleasant evening is had by volunteers as they are served by Jeff. Games are played most nights in the pleasant African temperatures. The pub is next to the swimming pool which is also convenient. Remember to ask Jeff about the traditional African beer featured at the bottom of this page. 
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inclusive activities for volunteers
From top left to bottom right: game drives, lion observation experience, throwing that thing for Zulu, going places with Zulu (mostly work!)
never boring!
happening outside ukutula
It depends how much time you will have, but there is something for everybody, including hiking, archery, biking, a crocodile farm, boating, hot air ballooning, museums, curio shopping, zip lining, elephant walking, monkey interaction and so much more!
Ukutula Conservation Centre is centrally situated so that you can enjoy a whole variety of different experiences, all within an hour or two drive. Ukutula will gladly assist you with reservations and transportation to get to the venues. Any of these costs will be for your own account. Prices are subject to change without notification.
Ukutula Conservation Centre is centrally situated so that you can enjoy a whole variety of different experiences, all within an hour or two drive. Ukutula will gladly assist you with reservations and transportation to get to the venues. Any of these costs will be for your own account. Prices are subject to change without notification.
"safari's are drawing people back to Africa"
The year 2016 saw South Africa being voted the 4th Best Country in the world for vacation destinations by the award-winning and leading luxury travel magazine Condé Nast, published since 1987. Conde Nast readers point out specifically that South Africa is fantastic when it comes to value for money.
The magazine also notes that visits to South Africa are not about once-in-a-lifetime experiences only, because safaris are drawing people back to Africa for repeat visits. They affirm that “specialised camps in previously under-explored locations are all the rage”.
The magazine also notes that visits to South Africa are not about once-in-a-lifetime experiences only, because safaris are drawing people back to Africa for repeat visits. They affirm that “specialised camps in previously under-explored locations are all the rage”.
pilanesberg national park
About 1.5 hours drive from Ukutula is Pilanesberg National Park, about 55 000 hectares in size. It is unique in that it is situated in an ancient alkaline volcanic crater - only three such craters exist in the world. The abundance of wildlife is spectacular and includes the "Big 5." Vehicle day tours are popular, but you may just be a hiking enthusiast. Hikers can actually have guided hikes in the Park which is great for experiencing wildlife from close range as well as learning many things from the Rangers. Another way to see the Park is from the sky - spectacular hot air balloon trips are an option. This National Park is highly recommended for animal lovers with limited time at their disposal. The famous Kruger National Park takes days to cover and because of it's vastness you are not even guaranteed to catch sight of all the "Big 5".
The cost, inclusive for this day adventure is ZAR1,950.00 (+/- $104.00 USD or +/- €95.00)
The cost, inclusive for this day adventure is ZAR1,950.00 (+/- $104.00 USD or +/- €95.00)
walk with elephants
An unforgettable experience is walking with elephants for an hour at nearby Glen Afric. The cost is around € 23 or US $26. (ZAR480.00 South African Rand)* In addition, there is a transportation cost of ZAR380.00 ($20.50 to get you to both Glen Afric and the Monkey Sanctuary.
Visitors are able to accompany three majestic elephants (mother and calf plus an adopted calf) as they move through the idyllic South African bush, eating the vegetation and just being - elephants!
Visitors are able to accompany three majestic elephants (mother and calf plus an adopted calf) as they move through the idyllic South African bush, eating the vegetation and just being - elephants!
bush babies monkey sanctuary
Situated next to Glen Afric is one of only eight free-release primate sanctuaries in the world. The environment in which the monkeys live is as close to their natural environment as possible - you will be intrigued to view the animals in an area with waterfalls, swing-bridges, lush vegetation and natural mountain springs.
The sanctuary has two different near- extinct lemur species from Madagascar. Monkeys are quite tame and may even sit on you!
The cost for this 1 hour experience is about €20.50, or USD$22.50 (ZAR420.00 South African Rand)* Transportation cost is ZAR380.00 for both elephant walk and monkey sanctuary.
*Prices quoted are subject to currency fluctuations
The sanctuary has two different near- extinct lemur species from Madagascar. Monkeys are quite tame and may even sit on you!
The cost for this 1 hour experience is about €20.50, or USD$22.50 (ZAR420.00 South African Rand)* Transportation cost is ZAR380.00 for both elephant walk and monkey sanctuary.
*Prices quoted are subject to currency fluctuations
horse riding safari
For those that enjoy horse riding, the experience is available with a twist! Riders are taken on a guided bush safari and experience zebra, giraffe, wildebeest , kudu, nyala, impala, springbuck and blesbok at close quarters. The venue is about an hour drive away from Ukutula. A 1 hour safari ride costs ZAR400 per person or ZAR550 for two hours. An additional transportation charge is payable in the amount of ZAR320.00.
sun city and the palace of the lost city
Well worth a visit is Sun City and The Palace of the Lost City. This resort complex borders the Pilanesberg Game Reserve and is spectacular in its opulence and architecture. Something to experience! The facility also offers one of the world's longest Zip lines that is 1.25 miles long (2 kilometres) with an average speed of 75 mph (120 km/h) and reaching speeds up to 100 mph (160 km/h)!
The transportation cost to Sun City is ZAR450.00 and the charge for entry to Sun City is ZAR415.00.
The transportation cost to Sun City is ZAR450.00 and the charge for entry to Sun City is ZAR415.00.
curio shopping for african momento's
Local artisans create many beautiful things from the most unexpected materials. You will find many amazing carvings of insects, birds and animals in wood. Incredible skill is evident in many wire and bead creations as well. The local community benefits greatly from your support as well! The cost for this outing is ZAR460 per person. Lunch can be added for a total of $785 per person. Transportation is additional at ZAR380 per person.
things to try
South Africa offers so much in terms of culture. Make sure you experience a "braai" (barbecue - but not the same), a "potjie" and "bobotie".
South Africans just love "biltong" (jerky, but not nearly the same!) and "droewors" (dried sausage) - see whether you share their taste for this dried meat.
The locals have a sweet tooth too - you must try "koeksisters". Another item to try is "vetkoek".
When it comes to drinks, you have to try Appletizer and Grapetizer. Both are super refreshing. After dinner you might want to try Amarula, a liquor made from a local berry from the Amarula tree.
The beer Jeff will tell you about is a traditional brew made of Sorghum known as bjala bja setso in the North Sotho language of Sepedi. It normally has a cloudy, pinkish-brown appearance, and a sour, fruity taste. It is healthy too - low in carbohydrates and rich in protein! If Jeff doesn't have any, ask him to get some!
South Africans just love "biltong" (jerky, but not nearly the same!) and "droewors" (dried sausage) - see whether you share their taste for this dried meat.
The locals have a sweet tooth too - you must try "koeksisters". Another item to try is "vetkoek".
When it comes to drinks, you have to try Appletizer and Grapetizer. Both are super refreshing. After dinner you might want to try Amarula, a liquor made from a local berry from the Amarula tree.
The beer Jeff will tell you about is a traditional brew made of Sorghum known as bjala bja setso in the North Sotho language of Sepedi. It normally has a cloudy, pinkish-brown appearance, and a sour, fruity taste. It is healthy too - low in carbohydrates and rich in protein! If Jeff doesn't have any, ask him to get some!
